While The Master, like 2001, has meditative and metaphysical leanings -- areas that tend to unnerve audiences -- it was greeted, unlike 2001, by many rapturous reviews describing its wondrous surprises and consummate craftsmanship.

Every 10 years, leading film critics around the world choose a list of top films. While the Top 10 changes, one thing has long remained unchanged: Citizen Kane is the greatest film ever. But The Godfather is doing some creeping of its own.